Chester FC: Dario Gradi praise for Blues target Antoni Sarcevic

Oct 21 2010 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER FC’s potential new signing is being tipped for a big future by one of the game’s most famed talent spotters.

Crewe Alexandra manager Dario Gradi has sanctioned a loan switch to the Exacta Stadium for teenage midfielder Antoni Sarcevic and Blues boss Neil Young expects to complete the move today.

Gradi is delighted with the strides Sarcevic has made since signing from Chester’s league rivals Woodley Sports in the summer. But Gradi believes a spell at Chester will help the powerful 18-year-old in his progress toward the League Two outfit’s first team.

He said: “Antoni is doing fine. He gets goals, his finishing is very good, he strikes the ball well, picks his spot and knows what he is doing.

“He’ll be a match-winner, his scoring ability is excellent and he is getting strong. He is definitely one for the future.”

Gradi’s words will be music to Young’s ears after identifying the middle of the park as the area in which the Blues must improve.

Young said: “I think we’ve been a bit lacklustre in midfield. We’ve not stamped our authority on games and got about people as much as I would have liked.”

Sarcevic’s impeding arrival is not the only business Young has taken care of this week. He has moved to address his side’s lack of pace up front by completing a loan move for young Colwyn Bay striker Alex Titchener, while he also tied down impressive midfielder Bradley Barnes to an 18-month contract.

Next on Young’s agenda is the job of telling which players are free to find new clubs.

The Chester manager revealed his intention to wield the axe in the wake of Saturday’s disappointing draw with Leigh Genesis – and his stance has not changed.

Young said: “Having sat down with my assistant Gary Jones for two hours on Sunday night and again after training on Monday, we now know what we need. It’s not going to be nice, but it’s about getting results.”

Injury-hit Blues host Lancaster City on Saturday (3pm) – their third in a run of 11 home matches in 15 games.